Startup mission to GITEX EUROPE in Berlin

GITEX EUROPE

GITEX EUROPE is Germany's most significant international startup tech exhibition. With this year's theme 'A Bolder Digital Europe is Open. Choose Europe', the organisation wants to promote tech collaboration, and facilitate matchmaking and knowledge exchange. The event will also promote innovative solutions that will lead Europe's digital economies into the future.

The exhibition is the place for startups to promote their groundbreaking and innovative products or services. It also offers opportunities to network and do business with companies, investors, and organisations.

The 2-day event offers a diverse programme focusing on many tech sectors. This year, the organisation expects 50,000 visitors, 2,500 exhibitionists, 1,500 startups, 1,200 investors, 500 speakers, and 300 official delegates from over 100 countries.

The Embassy of the Netherlands in Berlin organises the Icebreaker networking event for mission attendees on 29 June. The exhibition days are on 30 June and 1 July.

Why take part?

This startup mission aims to support promising Dutch startups and innovative companies to grow their businesses internationally. By joining this mission, you will have access to a platform to showcase your product to a German and international audience. You will also be able to connect with potential customers, investors, partners, and other startups. Together, we will showcase the Dutch startup ecosystem and innovative solutions.

Joining GITEX EUROPE offers you the excellent opportunity to:

• present your product or service to a German and international audience;
• validate or test your product or service;
• expand your German and international network;
• meet potential investors, customers and partners;
• gain knowledge about the German and international markets
• collaborate.

During the mission, there will be plenty of occasions to exchange knowledge and experiences about the German and international markets with Dutch and international attendees.

For whom?

We invite startups that are active in:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• cybersecurity
• quantum computing
• space and dual use
• digital cities
• finance and digital assets
• future health
• climate and green tech
• sustainable tech
• deep tech

Participation requirements

You can join this mission if your startup meets the following requirements:

• your product or service is high-tech, innovative and potentially disruptive;
• your product or service fits within GITEX EUROPE's focus sectors;
• you have started or are ready to scale-up internationally;
• you have registered your startup with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce.

Do you not meet the requirements mentioned above, but do you have a convincing reason why you should join this mission? Tell us in your application why your startup should be part of the Dutch delegation.

Note: Startup missions are vital for the growth and development of startups. Therefore, it is essential to prepare for this mission and attend every part of the programme in order to be successful. With that in mind, we ask you to attend the online preparatory meeting on 28 May. We also expect you to attend the Icebreaker networking event at the embassy on 29 June, and the exhibition days on 30 June and 1 July.

If you are not able to attend for any reason, please consider selecting a colleague or reconsider your participation.

Fees

• Fee for the first participant of your company: €650 (excluding VAT).
• Fee for the second participant of your company: €325 (excluding VAT).

The fee covers:

• access to the mandatory preparatory meeting on 28 May before the mission;
• access to the Icebreaker networking event at the Dutch embassy in Berlin;
• entrance to GITEX EUROPE for 2 persons;
• usage of the NL Lounge as your meeting place;
• matchmaking with potential investors, companies and organisations;
• access to all mission side events and networking activities;
• local support provided by the Startup Liaison Officers of the Netherlands Embassy in Berlin and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).

Travel and accommodation are at your own expense. This also applies to meals and drinks unless specified otherwise.

Note: You can cancel your application up to 30 days before the start of the mission. After which we will charge you the full participation fee. Please refer to Conditions for participation in trade missions with and without government officials for further requirements.

Register

Register for this mission before 15 March. Every participant must register separately.

We will select up to 30 startups for this mission. RVO considers it essential that companies fit the mission's focus. Therefore, registration does not automatically mean that you will participate in this mission. We will notify you whether you have been selected 1 week after the closing date.

We encourage women's entrepreneurship. We do not select participants based on gender. But we challenge you to look for women participants within your organisation to participate in this mission.

Register

Responsible business conduct

The Dutch government emphasises responsible business conduct (RBC) and endorses the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. These guidelines state the RBC standards for internationally active entrepreneurs. Following the OECD guidelines is one condition for participation in this mission.

More information

For more infomation, please contact:

Rik Roeske
Project leader GITEX EUROPE 2026
Phone: +31 6 25 51 67 14   
Email: rik.roeske@rvo.nl  

Maarten Schweers
Project leader GITEX EUROPE 2026
Phone: +31 6 25 51 56 75
Email: maarten.schweers@rvo.nl

Eva Vergles
Startup Liaison Officer
Phone: +49 160 711 5378
Email: eva.vergleskooistra@minbuza.nl